XP: Deleting files that are'nt there

The first directory on my c-drive has a weird name (something like 5e43t778u..). I did not create it, it looks like a system-created directory
Well, I accidently moved 2 dvd image files to that directory (a total of about 18Gig). I got a message saying that I could'nt do it, but....

The folders appeat there with property of 0 bytes, but....
The 18 gig has not been freed up, and...
XP will not let me delete the folders... "Access Denied" message.

Can someone help me??

Thanks

 

Is this XP pro? Make sure you have simple file sharing disabled, then go to the folder properties, security and add your username and make sure that you have read access by checking the appropriate boxes. You should then be able to get in there and see whats in there.

Incidentally, there is a bug in XP on an NTFS drive that prevents corrupted files from being deleted. If you only partially copied the files its possible that they became corrupted.

 

At work, we use a program called renamer.exe to rename corrupt files on ntfs with this problem, and then delete them.

 

Hey DP, I wouldn't mess with that. It's there on my C drive also. Among other things, on mine, it contains a reference to SP2, a copy of the EULA for that service pack and a dll. file related to svce pack 2. Maybe Adryn. or WizeWiz might know.
EDIT: Oops, Morning Adryn. Wasn't aware you were chiming in all ready

 

'morning.

Yeah it actually could be in use as MA said.

This actually sounds like the temporary extract directory SP2 uses.

It has random names like that.

It is supposed to be deleted once SP2 is done installing.

I incidently don't have any directory like that.

 

This may be handy:

You cannot delete a file or a folder on an NTFS file system volume

 

I'm using XP Home and I don't think that it has do with an active task; I've been trying to get rid of them for weeks.

Thanks

 

You tried deleting it in safe mode?

Also, try a renamer.exe program... if you can get into the folder.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;318754
That might be interesting to you. It is a 2000 KB, but I expect the ACL is much the same.

 

GF

I think you are on to something re that NTFS bug. Will your latest suggesions help? Where to I get a renamer.exe?

BTW the problem is my home PC; I'm at work at the momment.

Thanks again.

 

You can google for one, download a free one from somewhere. I expect they all do around about the same thing anyway.

 

Safe mode did'nt help; defrag didn't help

 

BTW, I went into Task Mgr and deleted processes one-by-one and still could not delete.

The exact message is: Access Denied; Disk might be full protected or file is in use.

 

renamer.exe looking good right about now?

What security permisisons do you have on the folder?

 

try to delete the dir in dos

 

remember in XP home you need to boot in safe mode in order to get to security permissions (as Halo says!)

 

I finally got rid of those files thanks to the advise I got from all of you (esp. of Halo and MA).

Safe Mode + taking ownership (followed Halo's excellent instructions) and it was hasta la vista to those two folders.

Thanks again.